Vanderbilt has notified Northwestern of its intention to cancel games against the Wildcats in 2013 and 2014 and the Commodores have also canceled their 2013 opener against Ohio State.

According to the source, Vanderbilt sent a letter to Northwestern, perhaps in preparation for a 2013 eight-game—or maybe by 2014 nine-game—SEC schedule.

James Franklin and Vanderbilt are trying to plan for easier nonconference schedules. (AP Photo)

Vanderbilt had also agreed to a four-game series with UMass, but that gave the Commodores five nonconference games—one too many. The first games to go were Northwestern and Ohio State. Vanderbilt's 2013 nonconference games are against Austin Peay, UMass, UAB and Wake Forest.

Northwestern beat Vanderbilt in September, 23-13. The 2013 game was scheduled to be played at Vanderbilt, while the Commodores were slated to go to Evanston, Ill. in 2014.